THE GORDON MODEL

DISCIPLINE THROUGH DEVELOPING SELF CONTROL

GORDON’S KEY IDEAS:

1. Discipline can not be achieved through either reward or punishment but rather must be developed within the character of the child.

2. Overt authoritarian discipline is harmful to children leading to anti-social and self-destructive behavior.

3. Permissiveness is damaging.

4. Goal of helping children make decisions that help them control their own behavior.

Gordon's basic tenant is that:


"You acquire more influence with young people when you give up using your power to control them...and the more you use your power to try to control people the less influence you'll have on their lives."